Answers

It sounds as though it's time for your New Home to have a visit with a professional repair tech. You've noted changing needle, checking tension, cleaning dust, so I'm assuming you've also followed the user manual instructions for the settings needed - after those boxes are ticked there is usually only one reason a machine won't sew - a broken or worn gear/part/assembly within the machine. Generally this isn't something that can be handled at home - a pro has the service manuals, tools, and training to work out and repair the problem.

I have a Janome Memory Craft 4800. After cleaning out all of the packed in lint from the feed dogs, bobbin holder, hook race, and changing my needle, the bobbin thread still gets bunched up. Can this be fixed from home?

Answers

I do some sewing machine repair (I'm self-taught) for my sewing students and from your description it sounds as though a part inside the machine has either broken/worn, or become mis-aligned.

Only someone with training (preferably factory or a course), experience, and the proper tools will be able to open the machine, find and resolve the problem, and then put the machine back together in a way that means the machine will operate properly.

The easiest first step to correct thread breakage is to snip your thread at the spool and rethread.

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If you have different sizes of spool caps, are you using the correct size? Threads can tangle around the spool pin and snap. The spool cap helps to prevent this.

Upper thread tension could also be too tight. Try lowering the tension (lower the number).

Are there any burrs or rough spots in the needle plate from a previous needle breaking mishap? Such burrs can cause fabric snares and thread breaks. Burrs can be smoothed with an emery board or fine sand paper.

The same results can happen from a burr or other damage in the bobbin hook.

Double check that the needle size is up to the job at hand. A fine needle cannot effectively stitch denim, for example.

How is the quality of the thread being used? All threads are not created equal. Threads with excessive slubs or knots will grab and break. Inconsistent threads will have weak spots that break, as will loosely twisted threads. Use good quality thread. Your machine will not get fuzzed up and your project wont fall apart!

My beloved Memory Craft 7500 has always been a workhorse. I was mending something tonight and the foot pedal started working only sporadically. It would only do one stitch at a time, or sometimes one after two depressions. I could go stitch-by-stitch by pressing the up/down button. Do I need a new foot pedal? I have found them available online. I bought the machine new in the late '80s, so it is getting old.

I do repair-refurb on mostly Singer mechanical machines - I'm not qualified to work on a computerised model. However, it does sound as though your foot control is going. But before you spend money on the replacement control, try cleaning the connection points on your machine AND the power cord. Hopefully it's just accumulated gunk (and it happens more often than sewers realise until it happens to them and the repair tech tells them what's happened:).

If that doesn't help, at least it won't hurt or cost you more than a few cotton swabs and some isopropyl alcohol spritzing (on the swab, not the actual connection points!).

After the cleaning, you can try the replacement control - make sure the one you buy and take delivery of matches the voltage-wattage on your original (roll the control over, there should be a plate or sticker noting the requirements, it may be on the machine right next to the connection point).

Be prepared for that not to work, however. A vintage machine, computerised or mechanical-electronic, will develop hiccups (ok, wearing out or breaking down of springs, gears, belts...) and eventually becomes a money pit, sad to say. You may be looking at spending a fair sum of money to keep it sewing, or buying a new machine when the repair bills mount up.

Best luck, I hope the fix is very simple (or inexpensive!) and you're back sewing very soon!

I'm not at all comfortable with overlockers but I did find a manual for the 734d (an updated model of your vintage machine but similar enough to be off help!) and am posting the link for you in case you no longer have the original to your machine:

It's a free download, and if that doesn't help you, the only advice I can then give is to take it to a repair tech with experience on overlockers. I do standard domestic machine repair-refurb work on my Sewing 101 student machines but as above - I'm not at all experienced with overlockers. Wish I could help more than posting a link to a similar model user guide!

You don't mention how old the machine is, that may affect your ability to easily find a replacement. If you have a sewing machine repair shop nearby, they may be able to order you a new one. If that is not possible you might try searching the various on-line sites that sell replacement parts for New Home machines. Good luck.

I want to learn how to clean and lubricate my Janome Elite Pro 5124 sewing machine. The local sewing center won't let me watch them and says it's too complicated. I installed my own electricity and plumbing (with permits) on my fire-sale house. I can do this; I just need instruction. Is there a resource for written instruction?

Depending on the age and model of your machine (under warranty, or an older machine), it sounds as though the gear used to change from straight stitch to zig-zag is failing. If you have knobs-dials-buttons, the trouble could be there, too. This is a fix for a qualified repair tech if the following doesn't solve your problem:

Are you absolutely certain you have everything set on the machine for zig-zag sewing? All the knobs-dials-buttons switched to the correct setting?

Is the stitch width set for z-z?

Are you using the open toe presser foot?

If none of that helps, it really is time for the machine to be seen by a pro.

I have a Memory Craft 8000 sewing machine. It just stopped sewing. I turned it on and off several times, but no help. The bobbin still spins, but won't turn on to sew. The machine will turn on, but not sew. I have cleaned out all lint and even sprayed air out of a can to see if that would help, it did not. I have tried auto and manual sew and neither will work. What can I do? Thanks.

Answers

Does your machine have a mechanism which disengages the sewing engine so that you can wind bobbins? Check to make sure that isn't the problem, please?

It may come as a surprise to many, but sewing machines greatly benefit from regular maintenance, particularly if they get heavy use. Take it in to a shop for a check up and tune up. One of the great wheels may have worn out over time.

As the 'shock reboot' you've tried hasn't reset your computerised sewing machine back to factory default - it's time to find a qualified repair tech with experience on computerised sewing machines. It might be the mother board, but the trouble might be something else - best to have a professional look at it.

I have a New Home sewing machine model 636. I did some sewing on stretchy material using pattern selector A, but when I moved back to straight stitching the feed dog keeps moving back and forward as for stretch stitch sewing. I've looked inside the machine, but can't see what is wrong. When I press the reverse feed knob that works OK. Anyone got any ideas to help me? Thanks.

I have a Janome New Home 2202 sewing machine that is about 6 weeks old. The foot pedal will work fine at one time, and then not work at all at another. I don't change anything, not the thread, the bobbin, anything and it simply doesn't supply any power. When I call the store, they tell me how to re-thread and re-do the bobbin. I have done this many times to no avail.

You have rights - but depending on where you are those rights may only be in effect for 90 days after purchase - check your receipt for more information. Too, Janome is a sewing machine manufacturer with a good reputation and all their machines, no matter what country sold in, come with at least a one year warranty including on parts.

It sounds as though the foot controller is faulty - and the shop is trying to avoid honouring the warranty - they'd be in a real hurry to tell you if their agreement with Janome doesn't include warranty coverage, so it's almost dead cert they do and should honour their responsibility to the consumer. Do a little research first to be sure the shop is responsible or if you need to contact Janome for replacement parts or servicing. If the shop is responsible you should physically carry the machine (and all the bits, and your receipt) back to the shop, insist on speaking to the manager, and you will (hopefully) leave with either a new foot controller or a completely new machine. If the shop says they need the machine to be checked over and tries to tell you they have to have the original receipt as well - BE VERY WARY. This scam is on the uptick in the UK, US, and Latin America, and has cost people their sewing machines. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR ORIGINAL RECEIPT - if they won't accept a photocopy, and won't give you a proper shop ticket (stating they've taken your machine for servicing/warranty honouring) - grab your machine and run!

Contact Janome through their website pages for your country and make a complaint about the shop - no reputable company wants their products sold by disreputable stockist. And at the same time, request assistance from Janome regarding getting your new sewing machine in reliable working order - they will be very happy to assist.

You should have a 1 year guarantee on this if not more. I would take it back and demand it repaired or them to give you a new foot peddle. This shouldn't be happening and they are just putting you off each time you call. Take it back to their service department and ask for a new foot peddle for your machine.

I have a Janome SL30X, about a year old, it suddenly jammed up on me back last year while I had been quite happily sewing with no problems. I have taken this machine back to John Lewis who can get it sewing within minutes but with no explanation, the last time I tried it as soon as we were home but after a few stitches it jammed again! Counless times I have tried to resolve the problem but can't figure it, I dread the thought of going back to John Lewis. Please can you help!

Answers

I don't do computerised sewing machines (I repair and refurbish vintage machines for my sewing students) but it sounds as though your motherboard is gone, and you need the services of a qualified repair tech.

Try this first before giving up completely - there MAY be a 'reset' switch on the back or side of the machine - unplug your machine from the wall, wait five to ten minutes, then plug it back into the electricity source and depress/toggle/slide the reset switch - your machine should power back on but you likely will have lost some or all of any stored stitches.

Hi, for your memorycraft 8000 the problem for sur is the fuse maybe you sew a hard or thick fabric

I had this pb many times and its the fuse (most cases) because when we sew a thick fabric the machine stack and the motor ask for more current and the fuse burn out, so just open your machine it's little hard to open it you need an alen key 2mm and philips screw driver.

My New Home sewing machine has been working great forever. Now, maybe I'm just not looking right and it's totally normal, but the bottom thread is working fine and stitching all the way through, but the top thread is just being held there flat on top of the fabric by the bottom thread.

I know the top and bottom thread can give a different color on either side, but I thought that you could still see some of both colors on both sides. I rethreaded both the top and the bottom multiple times and it's still doing the same thing. The needle is sharp and the right size, the tension is correct, and I've changed it tighter and looser and it doesn't seem to change anything. What am I missing?

I have had this New Home 4000 for quite a while now and it is a great machine. Recently the auto tension has stopped working. What a feature to loose! :( Does anyone know how to fix this inexpensively? I am trying to avoid bringing it into the shop if possible.Thanks!

I have a Janome Memory craft 3500 and it's computerized. On the screen it says "Bobbin Winding" and no matter what buttons I press or if I turn it on or off it won't let me do the actual sewing because it's on bobbin winding mode.

My wife has a New Home Memory Craft 6000 sewing machine she bought new in '85/86 and dearly loves it abilities. She has made many articles. When last used it stopped mid-stroke. The 'balance wheel' is solid, frozen up. Any ideas or checking suggestions? My suspicion is the drive motor. Your thoughts please. Thanks.

I have a Janome Combi DX Model 502. While using my machine it suddenly started to run on one speed only - very fast - and I cannot control it with the pedal. In fact pressing or not pressing the pedal makes no difference. The only way I can use it is to switch it on and off on the switch on the side, which is a bit dangerous. What do I need to do to fix the problem please?

There could be a short in the foot control or in the cord. Do you have a pet who may have chewed on it? Take the needle out of the machine, turn it on and try moving the cord around to see if it makes a difference.

If there's a buildup of lint inside the machine, cleaning it may help. Be sure to unplug the machine and then use a can of compressed air and a small brush to clean it up.

Otherwise, take it to a local machine dealer and ask them to take a look. I'd avoid sending it out via mail as it will take longer and could become damaged in transit.

I have been given my mum's old sewing machine, but can't get it to sew. The motor is working OK, but the needle will not go down to pick up the bobbin thread. It's a New Home model 614. I am also trying to find a site with the manual on it. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

chances are that the machine has not been used for a while, and the oil has gummed up - and turned into glue. oil it thoroughly, and let the new oil soak in. rock the mechanism by hand to loosen it. I've had one case where I had to use a heavy duty Naptha based penetrating oil (gun oil)

I have a Janome sewing machine model 2039. It worked fine for a long time. Now when I press the foot pedal nothing happens until the pedal is nearly fully depressed and then, of course, the machine goes off at great speed! No more speed control! My question: is it the pedal, relatively easily and cheaply replaced or is it the machine itself that needs to be replaced? I guess it's an impossible quesion to answer, but thought I'd try here before I buy another machine. Any ideas or thoughts most welcome and thanks.

I keep getting Overload problems, no messages or error numbers, just Overload.

I've tried the test by holding down the up/down, the reverse and the start/stop buttons at the same time and followed the self test procedure. I get 2 plus signs to press on, then a light in the Decorative section (69-116) so I press on that, then a few more plus signs, then it says self check done.

So I turn off the machine, wait for a while, turn it on again expecting it to do a self test, but it does nothing, just sits there in the "ready to sew" mode, I press the pedal and guess what, Overload.

Probably not dead - but how much memory are you using? You may need a new mother board, or you may need a 'fine-tuning' by a qualified computer machine repair tech. Look for someone adverting they're factory trained and or authorised as that's the tech with the latest updates on all machines.